Students create, honor films

MILTON, Ga. – Cambridge High School held its first annual Cambridge Film Festival April 2 to benefit CURE. With 22 film submissions, the event raised more than $1,000 in its first year and has become a labor of love for the young film and video program at Cambridge High School.

The Cambridge Film Festival was the brainchild of Cambridge High School students Grant Keller and Sahana Subramanian.

“The students wanted to start a film club to celebrate their passion for film, culminating with a year-end film festival,” said CHS film and video instructor Marc Schneider. “Grant and Sahana suggested proceeds should benefit a charity rather than go to our fledgling program. How could I refuse that?”

CURE was founded in 1975 and is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through research, education and support of patients and their families. Since its establishment as a grassroots organization, CURE has focused its efforts on improving the care, quality of life and survival rate of children with cancer.

The Schneider family was introduced to CURE at the foundation’s annual Lauren’s Run and Picnic several years ago through their close friends Alan and Dayna Thomson.

“CURE is near and dear to our hearts,” Schneider said. “I proposed CURE as our charity, and Grant and Sahana were immediately on board. We had over 20 submissions in the Best Film and Best Documentary categories. The students, faculty and Cambridge community rallied for a great night.”

Dr. Edward Spurka, principal of Cambridge High School, was on-hand to present the awards for the two winning films.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Mr. Schneider and our students in our video broadcasting program for developing the first-ever Cambridge Film Festival for CURE,” said Spurka. “I am excited for this tradition to continue in years to come, and we look forward to supporting CURE.”

Each filmmaker paid a $5 entry fee for their film, and the ticket price to the event was $5. Additionally, Keller ran a 50/50 raffle to boost donations, while Subramanian and Schneider teamed up to direct production of the event.

Nominees for Best Documentary (three nominees) and Best Picture (four nominees) were screened. The “Minty” (their version of the Oscar) for Best Documentary was awarded to “Ice,” directed by Sara Hogan and Subramanian. The Best Picture Minty was awarded to “Remnant,” directed by David Le.